DEH 1005 Week 8 Flashcards

Codes of Ethics

What is a professional code of ethics?

A set of standards that defines expected professional behavior and serves as a contract between the profession and society

What professions have a code of ethics?

All of them

Why does every healthcare profession have a code of ethics?

To establish standards of professional behavior, promote integrity, and maintain the public’s trust

What is the purpose of the ADHA code of Ethics?

• Increase ethical awareness

• Improve ethical decision making

• Guide professional judgement

• Establish standards of conduct

• Describe the ethical behavior the public should expect from dental hygienists

Who maintains the Dental Hygiene Code of Ethics?

The American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA)

When was the ADHA Code of Ethics created?

1927 with the most recent revision being in 1995

Which Code of Ethics applies specifically to dental hygienists?

The ADHA Code of Ethics

Why should dental hygienists also be familiar with the ADA Code of Ethics?

Because hygienists often work under dentists, who follow the ADA code, and understanding both promotes ethical team practice

What are the ADHA’s basic beliefs?

• Dental hygiene improves society’s health

• Education and licensure qualify hygienists to prevent and treat oral disease

• Individuals have intrinsic worth

• Patients have the right to make healthcare decisions

• Oral health is part of overall health

• Everyone deserves access to oral healthcare

• Hygienists are responsible for the quality of care they provide

What are the five fundamental principles of the ADHA Code of Ethics?

1. Universality

2. Complementarity

3. Ethics

4. Community

5. Responsibility

What are the seven core values of the ADHA Code of Ethics?

1. Individual Autonomy and Respect for Human Beings

2. Confidentiality

3. Societal Trust

4. Non-maleficence

5. Beneficence

6. Justice and Fairness

7. Veracity

What is Individual Autonomy?

Respecting a patient’s right to make informed decisions about their own healthcare

What is Confidentiality?

Protecting a patient’s private health information (HIPAA)

What is Societal Trust?

Maintaining the public’s confidence through honesty, professionalism, and ethical behavior

What is Non-maleficence?

“Do no harm.”

What is Beneficence?

Acting in the patient’s best interest and promoting their well-being

What is Justice and Fairness?

Treating all patients fairly and without discrimination

What is Veracity?

Truthfulness and honesty with patients

To whom do dental hygienists have professional responsibilities?

• Themselves

• Their profession

• Patients

• Family and friends

• Colleagues

• Employers

• Community

• Society

• Scientific investigation

What is the difference between ethics and law?

Law is required by the government and enforceable. Ethics are moral principles that guide professional behavior

Can something be legal but unethical?

Yes

Can something be ethical but illegal?

Yes, although healthcare professionals should always comply with applicable laws

What is ethical decision making?

A systematic process used to determine the most ethical course of action in difficult situations

What should you consider when making an ethical decision?

• Patient’s best interest

• Core values

• Professional standards

• Applicable laws

• Possible consequences

A patient refuses treatment after receiving all necessary information. Which ethical principle supports respecting their decision?

Individual Autonomy

A hygienist recommends fluoride because it benefits the patient. Which ethical principle is demonstrated?

Beneficence

A hygienist accidentally exposes unnecessary radiographs to increase production. Which ethical principles are violated?

Nonmaleficence, Veracity, and Beneficence

Discussing a patient’s health information in a public hallway violates which ethical principle?

Confidentiality

Treating every patient equally regardless of race, gender, insurance, or income demonstrates which ethical principle?

Justice and Fairness